Something has been different on campus this year, and it’s something unquantifiable. It’s a spirit, a support system and an ebullience that just feels good. Could it be our big 200th birthday? A head of school’s embrace and prioritization of joy? Four years since we emerged from COVID? Effervescent student body leaders whose hype is infectious? It’s probably all of these things and more, and it is palpable. The same extends to sports.

“This was a special season for WRA Athletics,” Director of Athletics Pete Hutchins said. “It isn’t the wins or accomplishments, it’s the people. WRA is made up of first-place people.”

And today, in addition to the personal accolades bestowed, we got one big quantifiable one: Inside Lacrosse named the WRA Varsity Lacrosse team #1 in the country, besting perennial powerhouses and cementing the Pios’ place at the very top of the highly competitive high school lax-scape. With the inspired leadership of Head Coach Dylan Sheridan ’02, the team, known for wracking up stats in service and in the classroom just as they do on the field, has catapulted from a ranking in the thousands years ago, to number two last year, to number one today. Coach Sheridan gave the seniors on the team a special shoutout for setting the standard for what has become an enviable program nationwide and a catapult to top colleges.

The ceremony also included an earnest shout out to Coach and Fine & Performing Arts Faculty Johnny Buck, whose contributions across multiple sports while at WRA is only possibly eclipsed by his position as “the most visible person at WRA at all athletics contests,” according to Hutchins. Buck received a standing ovation as an endlessly loved member of the WRA community, a mainstay whose presence will continue to motivate, enrich and matter well beyond his retirement. Thank you, Coach Buck for constantly and selflessly showing up, which counts for the best coaching lesson of all.

The full list of Athletics Award winners can be viewed here

The Ceremony also included the bestowment of two Gold Medals, the highest honor in athletics at WRA. Both Gold Medals were awarded for Lacrosse, one on the girls side and one on the boys.

Senior Captain Elisabetta “Sass” Huff ’26 was awarded the Gold Medal in Girls Lacrosse. Head Coach Matt Shields praised Sass’s 300 career points calling her a key factor in the program’s growth and success. What he didn’t say is what Sass’s opponents know: she is absolutely fierce on the field. Huff matriculates to Mercer University.

Senior Hunter Harris’ relentless work ethic had such a profound impact on the program that Coach Sheridan celebrated this player with the MVP Award, as well as the Gold Medal. His leadership and toughness were lauded, alongside his humility. Hunter heads to Lafayette College in the fall.

Hutchins closed the ceremony saying, “We will never be at this place and time again. Slow down and enjoy the next few days, and demonstrate appreciation to everyone who has helped you along the way.” 

If we were the boastful type, we’d certainly have plenty to say today. It’s been that kind of year. And yet, of all the numbers that will define this spring, perhaps the ones that matter most can’t be measured at all: the friendships strengthened, the moments shared and the memories made together. Congrats Pios!

Click here to enjoy photos from the ceremony